Russia’s War in Ukraine
News, analysis, and background on military campaigns, battlefield technology, and global diplomacy, negotiations, and sanctions.
Ukraine Is Hitting Russia Where It Hurts: Its Oil Refineries
Kyiv’s two-year offensive against Russian oil facilities has intensified, eating away at Moscow’s energy revenues.
Russia’s Next Opposition Will Not Be Liberal
Army corruption and mass death are breeding new dissent—deep inside Vladimir Putin’s loyal core.
Ukraine Needs More Drones
Tight cooperation with Beijing and Tehran is giving Moscow an edge on the critical weapons.
Putin vs. the Press
You’d have to be fearless or a fanatic to persist in journalism in Russia. These women are both.
From Moldova to Africa, Russia’s Power Is Waning
The defeat of Moscow-friendly parties in the Moldovan election is just the latest of many setbacks.
Europe Is on Its Own With Russia Now
Donald Trump’s latest U-turn on Ukraine doesn’t change the naked truth for Europe.
Battlefield Strategy
Why the White House Is Considering Tomahawks for Ukraine
The move makes sense for U.S. strategy, but it may cause heartburn for isolationist and Pacific-focused Pentagon leaders.
The Mood on the Front Line, Three Years On
Ukrainian troops watch with anxiety as the United States moves closer to talks with Russia over the war.
How Russia Is Escalating the Drone Arms Race
Routine strikes involve smaller, daily launches designed to keep steady pressure on Ukraine. 
The ‘Paper Tiger’ Still Has Its Shadow Fleet
Trump says Russia is in economic trouble—but there's a loophole in the West's sanctions.
Wartime Diplomacy
Trump Makes U-Turn on Ukraine Rhetoric
Trump says Ukraine can win back all of its territory.
The Ghost of Finlandization Is Haunting the Ukraine Debate
A 1944 armistice that traded land for peace is a poor precedent for ending Russia’s war.
An Emerging Trump Doctrine?
Success in the Middle East could be a template for a new approach to Russia’s war.
What the Next Round of Sanctions Against Russia Should Look Like
Moscow has successfully restructured its economy on an impressive war footing, but there are weaknesses under the hood.
Regional Dynamics
A Russia-NATO War Would Look Nothing Like Ukraine
Moscow will seek to avoid a full-on war and focus on breaking the bloc’s resolve.
Europe’s Delusions Over What It Means to Deter Russia
Leaders are afraid to tell voters what it will take to defend their continent.
Anchors Away
Finland’s failure to convict Russian crew clears the way for more cable-cutting attacks.
The China-Russia Axis Is Getting Firmer, and It’s Built on Gas
Moscow pivoted to the east a decade ago, but it is now besmitten—or captive.
Latest Stories
Fiona Hill: Ukraine’s Fate Now Linked to the Middle East’s
The former White House Russia expert on Biden’s speech linking the two wars—and how Putin might cash in.
How Russia Evaded the Oil Price Cap
The idea worked well until the Kremlin adapted, which is the usual fate of sanctions.
Ukraine Targets Russia With Secret New Supply of U.S. Weapons
Kyiv scores hits with long-awaited ATACMS system.
Negotiating With Russia Is Still a Bad Idea
The rationale for forcing Ukraine to stop fighting keeps changing with the facts on the ground.
Are Ukraine’s Airstrikes in Russia Effective?
The attacks hinder Russian warfighting, but Ukrainian leaders probably seek a more strategic impact.
Ukraine Is Already Working on Its Next Election
The challenges of holding a vote in wartime are both small and big—and often unexpected.
Russia’s Crimean Red Line Has Been Erased
Claims about the territory’s spiritual status have been revealed to be fiction.
U.S. Budget Deal Has Europe Questioning American Resolve on Ukraine
If U.S. military aid falls short, more Ukrainians will die, officials in Kyiv say.
‘We Don’t Want to Lose Our Second Motherland’
Mustafa Nayyem fights to rebuild Ukraine.
North Korea’s Shell Game Is Not a Game-Changer, Pentagon Says
Moscow’s deal with Pyongyang for more artillery rounds will fill Russian gaps—but likely not turn the tables in Ukraine.
What Does Victory Look Like in Ukraine?
Ukrainians differ on what would keep their nation safe from Russia.
Meet Ukraine’s New Defense Boss
He’s not the same as the old boss.
Ukraine Is Getting Its Abrams—but Not What It Really Wants
U.S. military support for Kyiv continues, but political resistance means no long-range fire.
Musk’s Starlink Shutdown Raises Eyebrows
No one man should have all that power, U.S. lawmakers say.
Russia’s Home Port in Occupied Crimea Is Under Fire
“If you’re on a Russian naval ship, you’re not safe anywhere in the Black Sea,” said one retired U.S. admiral.
Russia’s Would-Be Assassins Still Stalk Europe’s Streets
Moscow’s regular spies have been expelled. Their kill squads are still active.